Explore the Stars

Glentanner Park is your home to explore the spectacular stars of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Mount Cook region's gold-rated skies are almost entirely free of light pollution, and draw visitors from all over the world. Enjoy a night time stroll from your Glentanner cabin or campsite and view glittering constellations from the quiet shores of Lake Pukaki. We like to say the area is one of the best stargazing sites on earth.

Wine Cellar 1

Pukaki Wine Cellar Stargazing Experience

DATE

By Arrangement

TIME

8:30pm (April 1 - September 30)
10:00pm (December 1 - January 31)
9:30pm (February 1 - March 31)

LOCATION

COST*

$155 per adult
$77.50 per child (under 12)

 

Join us in the Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory for a unique dark sky experience under the glittering stars of the southern hemisphere. Enjoy a drink in the wine cellar before our experienced astronomer takes you on a tour of the night sky with a high-powered laser pointer and our pier-mounted telescope. Learn more about the constellations and their mythologies, stars, star clusters, nebulae, planets, the Moon and more! We will also attach a camera to the back of the telescope to show you incredible views of some of the wonders of the cosmos on a big screen!

The Retreat and purpose-built Pukaki Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest, clearest skies in the world. This is a stellar experience and is a unique opportunity to stargaze in the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Includes: A glass of wine or tot of whisky. Shared group sessions, with a minimum charge of 2 guests to operate this experience.

Please note, this experience is weather dependent. We will contact you if the weather won’t allow this activity to go ahead, there is an alternative option for a reduced rate that can be offered if you would still like to experience the observatory and learn about the dark sky.

Telescope Big Sky Stargazing Tour Mount Cook National Park Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Big Sky Stargazing

Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of the night sky, home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about.

Astronomy guides will take you on a 1 hour tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes. They share their knowledge about the night sky in an informative and approachable way, answering any questions you may have as they go.

Available on a clear night, the tour takes place close to the Hermitage hotel. Guests are shuttled to the base and are treated to home made hot chocolate and sweet treats, before stepping outside to witness the darkness as it comes alive with the stars.

All participants are presented with an impressive, digital photograph of themselves against the night sky.

All tours are weather dependent.

Departure Time

Winter: 7.30pm

Summer: 10.30pm & 12:30am

Departure Point

The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Village (20 minute drive from our campsite)

Price
Adult from  $145.00.
Child from  $85.00.

Children 8 - 14 years. Please note there is a minimum age of 8 for this trip.

All prices are in New Zealand dollars (and are subject to change).

Please contact us to book your tour of the southern skies.
You can also book any Mount Cook activities in conjunction with your accommodation booking.